Jar cap handle



June 1.4, 1938.' B, v DREUccl 2,120,603

JAR CAP HANDLE Filed March 51, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 HIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH 5 lfe'acc/V' By@ y 9$` y M im fforneys June 14, 1938.` B v DREUCCl 2,120,603

JAR CAP HANDLE Filed March 3l, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor fforneys Patented June 14, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE i 1 Claim.

This invention relates to screw caps such as are used on so-called Mason and fruit jars, and. has reference in particular to an auxiliary feature in the nature of a handle mounted on the cap to be utilized as a lever to facilitate application and removal of the cap.

It is a matter of common knowledge that screw caps of the foregoing type are not always easy to apply and remove. As a matter of fact, so much trouble is encountered that numerous jar wrenches and tools and implements have been adopted to promote free and easy application and removal. I have discoveredthe need, therefore, for a novel and simple means which is definitely secured to and properly mounted on they cap so that it is in constant readiness for use.

In reducing the principles of the inventive conception to practice, I have found it expedient and practicable to employ a simple extensible and retractible lever or handle, this being pivotally connected to the cap to accomplish the desired results in a satisfactory and practicable manner.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a jar with the screw cap thereon, the cap being provided with the improved accessory or attachment, constructed in accordance with my personal ideas.

Figure 2 is a view at right angles of the structure shown in Figure 1, observing it in a direction from left to right.

Figure 3 is a top plan View of the structure shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the extensible and retractible handle projected to the completely extended state.

Figure 5 is a view based on Figure 4 showing how the device is swung over from right to left in Figure 4, in which position it is in readiness for practical utility.

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view through the hinge construction.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing reference characters, it will be observed that the conventional Mason jar is designated by the numeral 'I and the regular screw cap is indicated at 8. In accordance with my ideas, a U- shaped attaching bracket 9 is riveted or otherwise secured on the disk-like portion of the cap at a point which may be designated as eccentrically. This is the most convenient point for anchorage of the complete lever unit I0, whereby to insure proper leverage.

The lever unit I0 is composed of companion sections II and I6. The inner section II comprises a metal strap of suitable strength and proportions. One end is curled or bent upon itself, as at I2, to form what may be called a hinge eye I3, this being pivotally connected to the bight portion of the attaching bracket 9. The outer end of the part II terminates in lateral projections I4 which serve as detents or stop elements. These coordinate with the guiding and retention hooks I5 formed on the inner end of the relatively slidable or projectible and retractib-le handle member I 6. This is also in the nature of a rectangular metal strap. By enga-ging the hooks I5 with the longitudinal edges of the main lever section II, the two sections II and I6 are properly joined together in relatively slidable overlapping relation.

It will be noticed that the two parts I6 are of such a length, when folded, as to virtually terminate within the diameter of the jar 1. This is so as to avoid projection of the part I6 and consequent interference with storing of the jar. Hence, we have an extensible and retractible double section lever which may be shortened to terminate practically within the limits of the perimeter of the cap 8, or which may be extended to the positions seen in Figures 4 and 5 to provide the desired leverage. Normally, the device is arranged as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. When it is desired to bring it into use, the part I6 is slid radially out, as shown in Figure 4. Then the complete lever as a unit is swung over from left to right in Figure 4. This puts it in the position shown in Figure 5, wherein the hinge eye I3 is substantially inverted, causing the adjacent hinged portion of the part II to rest on the peripheral portion of the disk of the cap 8. This provides the desired balance and stabilizing action and prevents unnecessary strain on the hinge connection.

It is submitted that an accessory of this type usedv in conjunction with a screw cap o-f the conventional type provides a handy contrivance to facilitate screwing and unscrewing of the cap. Any housewife who has encountered the difficulties present with jar caps of this type will attest to and endorse the utility and practicability of an article of this nature. It is not my purpose here, however, to give a rsum of the commercial aspects of the invention, as they are virtually self evident.

It is thought that the description, taken in connection with the drawings, will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes comin-g within the eld of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

In combination, a screw type jar cap, an inverted U-shaped bracket attached to the top portion of the capv at an eccentric point, a at bar of elongated form having one end bent to provide an eye, through which the bight of the bracket passes, an outwardly extending ear at each side edge of the bar at the free end thereof, a second flat bar of elongated form and of the same Width as the first bar and having ears at the side edges of its inner end which are bent to engage the side edges of the rst bar, slidably connecting the second bar with the rst bar, the second bar when slid outwardly on the rst bar forming a handle for rotating the parts, to impart rotary movement to the cap, and said bars when in contracted position lying Within the diameter of the jar on which the cap is placed.

BRUNO V. DREUCCI. 

